(NAPSI)—It seems we can’t view the news today without seeing
another story about technological advancements in the workplace, including
Artificial Intelligence. Whether you believe that millions of jobs will be
displaced or millions of new jobs will be created, the fact is the skills
required to compete in a rapidly evolving employment market are changing like
never before.

If you need a change in your professional environment, wish to make more
money, advance in your career or organization, or even switch careers
altogether, a degree is likely required for this progression. In fact, by
2020, two out of every three jobs will require a college degree.

When you’ve established that you need a change and decided a degree
is required for career advancement, Competency-Based Education may be for
you.

In 2012 there were 20 documented competency-based education programs. To
date, there are 500 competency-based education programs across the nation to
choose from. So where do you start on your journey to find the program that
is best for you?

Start by asking yourself the following six questions as you evaluate the
educational method and programs:

1. What mode of education fits your
needs and your life?

Do you prefer being in a classroom with fellow students? Are you
comfortable with technology and can you keep up with the pace online? Or, are
you driven and focused, and have you acquired knowledge through your work and
life experiences that makes a self-paced, competency-based education program
the better fit? Determine which kind of teaching and learning style works
best for you.

2. What is a competency-based
-education?

Competency-based education, also known as CBE, is a system of learning and
assessment that is based on students demonstrating the knowledge they already
have and the knowledge and skills they need to know. Not all competency-based
programs are self-paced. Brandman MyPath
is, and allows each student to set an appropriate pace for completing
competencies.

3. How committed is the university
to its self-paced, competency-based education program?

A solid CBE program has invested in the curriculum, the technology and
philosophy. A dedicated staff supports CBE learners, and the qualified
faculty is accessible and engaged to improve the student’s academic
journey. Brandman
MyPath is one of the only direct-assessment CBE programs reviewed by, and
deemed compliant by, the U.S. Department of Education for its consistent and
substantive faculty interaction.

4. Are the required competencies
clear and measurable?

The pathway to achieve your degree should be clear. You should know from
the very beginning of your program what content and which topics will be
covered, as well as how your learning will be assessed—be that a
project or paper, an activity or an exam. The learning journey should be
clearly stated as well as how you will be assessed.

5. How is your level of competency
assessed?

The process should be clear, and assessed through authentic work-related
projects submitted by students and graded by qualified faculty. As
competencies are achieved, students receive industry-recognized
certifications and badges. That way, employers know the student has achieved
this milestone. With a recent Deloitte study predicting that by 2020, the
skills we use at work will have a five-year shelf life, continued education
and staying nimble in the workforce have never been more crucial.

6. How has the university engaged
with external partners to develop the CBE program?

To ensure the CBE program has real-world relevancy and the skills learned
are transferable to key industries and occupations, the university should
assemble and maintain advisory boards and partners in the fields of industry.
Future employers need to join faculty in co-creating the curriculum to ensure
work-ready skills and knowledge. Students will know their CBE curriculum is
on point because they’re able to immediately put into practice the
knowledge and skills they’re learning in their coursework.

• You’re
self-motivated. Think about a time you completed a project from start to
finish. Were you able to pace yourself to complete it? If you can set your
own deadlines to tackle the work, with a level of independence that includes
support if and when you choose, competency-based education is ideal.

• You have a wealth of
knowledge and want a degree. Brandman MyPath enables you to show your
level of competency with a subject matter or skill set, so you can spend time
learning the information you don’t know…yet.

• You have a wealth of
knowledge to move you faster through the program. Brandman MyPath uses
adaptive learning that customizes your learning materials so you spend time
on the areas that you need to learn. You’re still responsible for all
the materials in the assessments, but the more you know, the faster you go.

• Pace drives price. With
a flat annual tuition of $6,400 billed every six months, the more you know
and the more competencies you master, the greater value you’re getting
for your money. You’re not tethered to a seat in a classroom or to the
pace of the instructor. Because Brandman MyPath is the only truly self-paced
CBE program, you earn your degree as fast as you want to. Tuition
reimbursement may be available through your employer, and MyPath is VA
Veteran Education Benefit approved.

• All costs included. All
of your learning materials are embedded in Brandman MyPath. That means no
extra books, no extra fees and no extra costs.

With a competency-based education program like Brandman MyPath, it’s
possible to earn a four-year degree in just three years. For working adults
who know what they need to know, a high-quality, affordable and flexible
program like Brandman MyPath can be their education solution.

“For working adults who know what they need
to know, a high-quality, affordable and self-paced university program can be
their education solution. http://bit.ly/2DKpY6r”